France have secured a dramatic 21-19 victory over world champions South Africa in a thrilling Nations Championship clash at the Stade de France in Paris.
Inspired by the playmaking partnership of Antoine Dupont and Maxime Lucu, the Les Bleus produced an impressive attacking display to take a 21-7 lead into half-time.
However, France had to withstand a strong second-half comeback from the Springboks, despite having three players sent to the sin bin and conceding nine scrum penalties during the match.
South Africa also faced a setback when Jasper Wiese was shown a red card for a dangerous clearout.
The visitors continued to fight back and scored a late maul try through Malcolm Marx, giving them an opportunity to draw level.
However, Manie Libbok missed the conversion, leaving South Africa two points short of France's total.
A crucial late tackle from Louis Bielle-Biarrey then allowed Dupont to regain possession and help the hosts secure the victory.
The result gives France a hard-fought win over the reigning world champions after a tense finish in Paris.
